New Vanuatu Passport System: Why the New Application Process is Being Implemented

A new Vanuatu passport system has been introduced that requires personal enrolment for all Vanuatu citizenship certificate holders, including those who obtained citizenship through investment programs.

In a memo dated August 7, 2024, the Citizenship Office & Commission of Vanuatu informed all designated agents of the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs about this change.

The Vanuatu Immigration Service stated that "Vanuatu citizens who wish to apply for a Vanuatu Passport will have to physically appear before Immigration and Passport officers for registration of the biometric data and facial recognition data." The Vanuatu Passport Office will no longer accept paper-based passport applications after August 31, 2024.

Why Vanuatu Implemented New Passport Application Process

The new passport application process may significantly impact CBI applicants, as they will have to travel to Vanuatu for personal enrolment. This change may lead to some initial hurdles, especially for clients with weak passports who require a visa to visit Vanuatu and face the challenge of no direct flights.

In response to the change, local agents have requested an urgent meeting with the Citizenship Commission to discuss alternative solutions for applicants, as it is not a reasonable requirement for all new citizens to travel to Vanuatu. Discussions are already underway for several possible options, such as allowing passport applicants outside Vanuatu to appear at a Vanuatu Consulate or Embassy overseas or using a globally certified organisation like VFS Global.

Vanuatu is implementing these changes to meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) standard requirements for travel documents. As a signatory to the ICAO, Vanuatu must adapt to these new changes to avoid border control issues. The new passport system includes an embedded chip encrypted with personal data, which enhances the passport's security features.

The government's decision to adopt this new approach comes six months after the EU Commission proposed to make the suspension of Vanuatu's visa-free Schengen access permanent. During meetings with EU officials, it became clear that the lack of biometric features in Vanuatu's passports was a key concern. This new initiative directly addresses those apprehensions and demonstrates Vanuatu's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security and integrity in their citizenship process.

The new laws also have potential benefits, especially in terms of creating genuine links in the country through visits. If the new CBI citizens visit Vanuatu, they will associate with the country more, which will help promote much-needed tourism in Vanuatu. The move also strengthens their stance on providing citizenship to legitimate individuals and, at the same time, making their passports secure as per ICAO requirements, addressing the negative press surrounding Vanuatu's CBI programs.

While the EU's suspension of Vanuatu's visa free Schengen access has negatively affected the number of CBI applicants, it has not derailed the nation's programs entirely as they continue to produce solid revenue figures.